We Are The Best

(Vi är bäst!)

In select theaters
June 20^th 2014

102 minutes

Swedish

Sweden

After more than a decade, Swedish writer-director Lukas Moodysson returns to the sparky, indie-comic tone of his best-loved films SHOW ME LOVE and TOGETHER. ‘WE ARE THE BEST!’ is a joyous celebration of youth, friendship and rebellion, featuring flawless, natural performances, particularly from the three young leads. It’s 1982, Stockholm, and Bobo (Mira Barkhammer) and Klara (Mira Grosin) are best friends, bolshy 13-year-old outsiders whose love of punk leads them to form their own band. There’s only one problem – they don't own or know how to play any instruments they don’t have a guitarist. Enter Abba-esque Christian blonde Hedvig (Liv Lemoyne), the most unlikely axe heroine on the planet. An adaptation of the semi-autobiographical graphic novel written by Lukas Moodysson's wife Coco, WE ARE THE BEST is the rare film about adolescence that doesn’t seem exclusively targeted either to teens or to adults. Rarer still, it’s one that takes an interest in the nourishing qualities of female friendship.

starring...

Mira Barkhammar

Bobo

Mira Grosin

Klara

Liv LeMoyne

Hedvig

Anna Rydgren

Bobos mamma

Johan Liljemark

Kenneth

Mattias Wiberg

Roger

Jonathan Salomonsson

Elis

Director

Lukas Moodysson

Writen By

Lukas Moodysson, Coco Moodysson

Cinematography

Ulf Brantås

Editing

Michal Leszczylowski

Production Design

Paola Hölmer

Costume Design

Moa Li Lemhagen Schalin

Producer

Lars Jönsson

51% on the CINEMETER

STL

59% - Apr 27, 2014

The backdrop is punk music, but the real story is a portrait of the pre-teen mind and how impulsively it can operate. The film aptly depicts the contradictions of the pre-teen mind: the rebelliousness, yet the need to belong; the worry about both physical and emotional self-identity yet an incredible sense of fairness and sensitivity. In any era, the pre-teens “push” the available envelope. I love the friendship between the girls—together they comforted each other, shared, problem solved. It’s a reflection, too, that girls/women had to be more determined, more creative, more supportive of each other to get to the same place as the guys. It’s a film for any era with a universal theme.
St. Louis Member

I liked that the people in this movie were not “pretty” people as most of our actors in the USA movies which made them more “real.” The girls were very aware and mature in their ideas for 13 year olds in the ‘80s.
St. Louis Member

Three young women are endearing, believable; captures essence of youthful rebellion. A microcosm of ALL rock bands: jealousy among friends. Offers a female version of a Holden Caulfield perspective. See hypocrisy of elders. Works well over all. May not be for everyone
St. Louis Member

I loved it. I find at almost 70, I’m asking many of the same questions, Again! The fun was they were on their first round of questions. I’m on my last round. Bless us all.
St. Louis Member

This film was a touching revelation of why 13 is the year people would least want to relive. It’s the maturational step when we have to question every dimension of personal identity and the only source you can trust is your peers. It was inspiring that the girls supported each other in healthy ways, trying to get it right.
St. Louis Member

MIL

62% - Apr 27, 2014

Surprised by how much I enjoyed and related to the movie!!!
Milwaukee Member

It was delightful but for a select audience.
Milwaukee Member

ATL

Apr 27, 2014

40% - Apr 13, 2014

I really enjoyed this movie - the story of friendship and rivalry among pre-teenage girls resonates in every culture.
Washington, DC Member

So refreshing to have a story about urban adolescents that doesn't include drugs, drive-by's or depression.
Washington, DC Member

Excellent portrayal of teen's angst, shifting relationships, attractions, rebelliousness and experimenting with different identities.
Washington, DC Member

I just loved it! Reminded me of my early adolescence and I loved the cinematography which I think was quite respectful of the kids. I'd see it again!
Washington, DC Member

Innocent fun!
Washington, DC Member

So punk. So awesome. So glad I'm not 13 anymore!
Washington, DC Member

43% - Apr 13, 2014

Great film. I enjoyed how the director was able to embrace reality.
Greater New Haven Member

Very fresh, light-handed treatment of a subject usually dealt with without this level of wit and such an absence of cliché. A great story.
Greater New Haven Member

Finally, someone got it right. Little girls, learning about themselves. Become who they might or might not become. Music was part of the scene, at time was the scene. GREAT.
Greater New Haven Member

A refreshing and exhilarating film. Excellent guest speaker. [NB: much praise in the cards for Soren.]
Greater New Haven Member

Punk is not dead - and neither is friendship, or the joy of being young and alive.
Greater New Haven Member

BOS

Apr 13, 2014

Magnolia Pictures